Obituaries 04/16/2026
Lynn Allen Fly
COFFEEVILLE — Lynn Allen Fly passed away April 7, 2026, at Yalobusha Nursing Home, leaving behind a life defined by service, family and deep ties to his community. He was 82.
Fly was born Feb. 28, 1944, in Coffeeville to Bilbo and Earline Fly, whose values he carried with him throughout his life.
On Nov. 29, 1968, he married Lylia Ann Ross, and together they built a family rooted in love and devotion. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Lylia Fly; daughters Gina Fly and Tammy (Steve) Whitaker; grandchildren Webb (Jocelyn) Anderson, Ethan (Ann) Anderson, Maeci (Drew) Vaske, Nick (Hannah) Whitaker and Steven (Amber) Whitaker; great-grandchildren John Ryder, Betts, Emma, Max, Sophia, Liam, Poppy, Maisie and Lottie; sister Eleanor Boyle; brother John Fly; and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Gerald, Harold, Jimmy and Bob Fly; son Reggie Fly; and grandson Grayson Fly.
Fly devoted much of his life to serving others through law enforcement. As a deputy sheriff in Yalobusha County, he became known to many as “Papa Fly,” a reflection of the care and protection he offered to young people in the community. He later continued his career in DeSoto County, where he served until his retirement.
He also served his country in the Mississippi National Guard.
Outside of his work, Fly found joy in the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting, and he rarely missed an opportunity to follow Mississippi State athletics or the Dallas Cowboys, often sharing that passion with family and friends.
Visitation was held Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Seven Oaks Funeral Home in Water Valley. Services were held Monday, April 13 at Seven Oaks Funeral Home with Rev. Andrew Miller officiating. Burial followed at Goshen Cemetery in Coffeeville.
Pallbearers were Sheriff Jerimaine Gooch, Deputy Tony Hernandez and Deputy Tyler Wortham of the Yalobusha County Sheriff’s Department, along with Sgt. Brett Grossman and Deputies Aron Garland and Keith Kite of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department. Honorary pallbearers were Homer Melton, Jerry Ferguson, Don Stout Sr., Andrew Miller, Tommy Defer, Jerry Fly, Jeff Fly and Keith Boyle.
Memorials may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association at lbda.org.
Thomas Parker
PARIS, Tenn. – Thomas “Tom” Parker, lifelong adventurer and part-time ocean explorer, has taken his final dive into the great unknown on March 19.
Tom had a deep and unwavering love for the sea — so much so that he spent countless hours beneath its surface, taking in its power and beauty while respecting the fragile world around him. As a dedicated scuba instructor, he trained many — especially college students — to dive with confidence and to respect and protect the ocean he loved.
Tom built a solid career at UPS, where he worked for many years. He took his responsibilities seriously and took pride in showing new employees how to “do it right,” a standard he carried into everything he did. Later in life he spent his time working out at the Paris Civic Center and dedicating time to Second Harvest Food Bank.
Tom is survived by his devoted wife, Carole Parker. Tom and Carole were married for 54 years. They met on the job in Memphis, Tenn., and had a son, William “Rusty” Parker. Soon after his birth, they moved to Paris, Tenn.
As a grandfather, Tom’s curiosity about his grandchildren never waned. He always wanted to know what they were doing and took genuine pride in every achievement, no matter the size.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, William F. Parker and Marion C. Parker of Water Valley, Miss.
He is survived by his two children, Rusty Parker and Andrea Parker Hawkins; his five grandchildren; his siblings: Richard S. Parker, Deborah K. Parker Ware and Carol Ann Parker Cosby; and six nieces and nephews.
In lieu of cards or flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the First United Methodist Church Second Harvest Food Bank in Tom’s honor.
Albert Monroe Rodgers
COFFEEVILLE – Mr. Albert Monroe Rodgers, 71, of Coffeeville, passed away Friday, April 10, 2026 at his residence. He was born July 4, 1954 in Moorhead to Willie Preston Rodgers and Maurice Standard Rodgers.
Albert honorably served our country in the US Army and was a retired farmer. He also enjoyed watching Nascar.
Memorial service plans are private. McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
Survivors include his daughter, Megan Vining of Grenada; two sisters, Shirley Chapman of Kalispell, Mont. and Brenda Kelly of Bentonia; two brothers, Tommy Rodgers of Tupelo and William L. “Dino” Rodgers of Isola; and a granddaughter, Everly Miller.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Donna Sue Vining; sister, Susie Rodgers and a brother, James Rodgers.